5 Reasons You Are Not Getting Better | Clawhammer Banjo Lessons

[@drewby613]

I took lessons from Alan Munde for quite a while and he had a great saying, which fits well with what you were saying about not bumbling through tough parts.. “People say that ‘practice makes perfect,’ but they’re wrong. Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes *permanent*. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” So when you’re bumbling, that’s what you’re teaching your fingers to do, so bumbly playing is what you’ll end up with. Great job on this video!! Lots of great stuff here.👏👏

[@TheMrpiggyboy]

I have been picking at playing the Ukulele for thee years now having fun with it. Recieved my brand new banjolele a week ago. I hve now found a brand new form of frustation. Tried the index finger first, couldn't keep the claw Now trying the middle finger seems to be better. I do know that it will come in time just like the regular scales. I love the fact that you are being so fortright. BANJO ON!

[@domeniccarson8511]

The thing about it is you have the guts and fortitude to say things your viewers might not like. It shows that you truly care about us. Peace be with you, my sister. God bless.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you! God Bless you too!

[@christikulczyk1439]

I’ve been playing a little over a year and stagnated. I needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@OnlySethDavis]

This is a great channel. You’re 100% right.

[@jethrobodine4638]

i wish you were my neighbor! LOL. i just purchased the Good time artisan americana by Deering and cannot wait to get started. you make a lot of sense. i have been that person that wanted to try to learn multiple gospel songs on my hammered dulcimer and psaltery instead of picking a couple and getting it down really well. every time music becomes a job and not fun for me, i need to relax and take my time and enjoy it. i plan on joining your website and do some of your lessons. i am interested in old time gospel mostly using the clawhammer technique. keep the great videos coming. God bless!

[@davidkadison7949]

Thank you for everything! Your videos inspire in so many ways; musically and a spiritual tone that makes me stop and live with the words of Jesus. You make these lessons fun.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@AnnLippert1]

I bought a metronome. It's fantastic! I start slow and move a little as I get it right. I'm working on one song til I get it perfect. I hope to video it and post it here on KZbin.

[@martin701]

Hi Mandy. Your most unpopular video? Nope!! You have made a lot of really great videos, but this one hits it right out of the park! It is truly wonderful to learn one song properly at a time. I’ve been guilty of trying to learn three or four at a time and the pressure is huge. It then becomes a chore to pick up the banjo. It sits there in the stand and you look at it and think, do really want to play it? Then the revelation, oh boy I can take this at my own pace and get it right! Slowing down I think is the first most important thing though and it took me a little time to get on board with that one. Thankfully I have. Keep up the good work!!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey Martin, glad you liked the video.

[@robertdriscoll84]

My favourite clawhammer teacher on youtube. I've been working through your oldest videos up to now but just saw this one. I needed to hear a few of these things! Currently working on Will the Circle be Unbroken at the moment and taking my time with each one. Will be signing up to your patreon when I can get back to work again post virus! Greetings from London

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey Robert! Thank you. Yes this thing is crazy. Stay safe.

[@HumbleBaritonics]

I like your nurturing pragmatic style. Good comments for all players. Wonky, interesting terminology! Jeff

[@BanjoLemonade]

If you watch more of my videos, you’ll hear a lot more than just wonky, haha - “doo-hickey” is also a favorite of mine. I won’t ever claim to know what something is supposed to be called. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@randy7388]

Great advice. I'm a dulcimer player, but the video applies to all instruments. Biggest takeaways for me were slowing down and focusing on the parts I "bumble through" (love that term :) and have a repertoire of just a few solid songs. In jams I'm pretty good at hearing and playing chords for the songs I don't know. Stay safe.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Haha, I try to get real technical in my terminology 😉!

[@howwerunit8070]

I really needed this Mandy thank you

[@philliptwidale459]

Great, honest, sound advice, thanks. I’m retired and enjoy all your videos.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Phillip.

[@lindathompson195]

Thank you. That was all good advice. You made me rethink about my playing

[@BanjoLemonade]

Great thanks for watching!

[@zaccrogers]

Absolutely great advice thank you may the good light surround you.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you kindly

[@davfew]

Love your work!

[@kathywilliams6385]

Thank you! Mandy, I really appreciate this presentation. Your discussion of the difference between practice and playing is really helpful. I am going to try to weave all your suggestions into my relationship 😊 with the banjo.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thank you!

[@KevinMasters92]

I'm not very concerned with getting better but I still think this was quite helpful. If anything to remind me of some things that would help with my progress. I think I want to try splitting up my banjo time decisively between playing and practicing (training). Like you gotta eat your beans before you can eat your cake. :) Thank you for this.

[@BanjoLemonade]

You got it brother! Practice is NOT the same as Play. You’ll do good to think of that. Thanks for watching.

[@brodycalypso9687]

Thank you Mandy, this is so useful and i could do with taking all of this advice!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Brody! Hope you are doing ok.

[@TheWrxrally]

I can't tell you how much practicing with a metronome has improved my playing.

[@CharlieDavis-ww4zf]

Charming!

[@ctsfiddler]

yea, i loop everything. I learned my lesson years ago when i played the fiddle. Used to listen to a song and i had to learn it, forgot about the one i was working on and then going nowhere. Now my middle name is slow and loop. best advice Mandy, hate that metronome but it helps, rather tap my foot.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Tom, yep I prefer backing tracks myself. Haha

[@doramckee5771]

Hi. I am a very beginner. I am enjoying your videos! I am wondering how long my practice sessions should be. I am willing to put the time in, but I now there should be limits so I don't practice "wrong". Does that make sense? Thank you so much!!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Depends on a lot of things really. Hate to be general but without knowing you or how you play I wouldn’t know. Blessings. check out my lessons website - banjolemonade.com

[@janegay8265]

Good to know as I start this journey. My 3-4 songs right now are okay 😀. By the way, you join me at home everyday practicing which makes this Carona-vacation (as my grand daughter calls it) much better.

[@BanjoLemonade]

I love that term!

[@janegay8265]

Okay- this is really working: slow it down and using metronome (plus not tapping my foot 🙃).

[@slq3263]

Thank you very much for this. It makes perfect sense. I will be practicing one song until I get it right

[@BanjoLemonade]

Hey Sarah! Thanks. Feel free to message me anytime on Patreon as well.

[@deborahwood8073]

Thank you Mandy, good advice. Can't help laughing at your fur baby trying to get under the cover, mine does that too!

[@BanjoLemonade]

I know I was laughing like crazy when I went back and watched it again.

[@deborahwood8073]

@@BanjoLemonade I've had to resort to placing an empty laundry basket on our spare bed in my practice room, pushed right up against the pillow🤣 It was very good to hear your words because my practices always feel a bit like wading through treacle, and I'm definitely guilty of too much playing the tunes I already know (just in case I ever play where I can be heard). My bluegrass technique is better than my claw hammer, so I'm just doing lots of basic lessons, trying to get my thumb used to coming back to hit that top string. Hope you and your family stay well xx

[@BanjoLemonade]

@@deborahwood8073 haha yeah the critters are too funny! Thanks, don’t know what treacle is but it sounds bad, haha. Keep on working! Thanks you too!

[@kdstinson4727]

Mandy, fabulous advise!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Karen.

[@willjones5907]

I was wondering if you have any tips for playing by ear

[@BanjoLemonade]

I have 2 videos on that very subject. Here is the first, second you can find at the end of this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5jTppqkrLGKjpY

[@willjones5907]

@@BanjoLemonade thank you very much.

[@danlyons6578]

Good advice. I like your videos. What kind of banjo are you holding in this video? I want to buy one

[@BanjoLemonade]

It’s a Pisgah custom. If you are a beginner I would recommend something much cheaper.

[@stevesstrings5243]

Good advice! Thanks!

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Steve!

[@tastefullyvegan739]

Loved this Video, it’s very true.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks Ashley! Hope that banjo is playing good for ya.

[@BanjoLemonade]

For TONS more lessons, tabs, practice tracks, ebooks, and more PLUS a FREE 7 DAY MEMBERSHIP, head on over to - www.banjolemonade.com

[@jeremiad86]

I tell my students, perfect practice makes perfect. Don't just fumble around for a 1/2 hour a day.

[@cinimod1969]

Brilliant.

[@BanjoLemonade]

Thanks!

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

The cold hard truth